Dust pan broom stand

ABSTRACT

A dust pan includes a scoop having at least three planar contact points, such as edges of the scoop, on which the scoop can stand and a retainer connected to the scoop, to grip a handle of a broom. The dust pan is suitable to support the broom as so retained, and selectively maintains the dust pan with the broom for storage. In storing the combination of the dust pan and broom, the dust pan can sit in upright position on the planar contact points of the scoop. The dust pan supports the broom in upright position with the dust pan, and the broom bristles are shielded and do not bear the weight of the combination during such upright storage. Moreover, the combination can be capable of so supporting the broom without bristles touching an underlying surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to cleaning devices and storage and device protective systems for such devices and, more particularly, relates to combined dust pan-stand assemblies removably integrable with brooms and the like, for storage and ready availability therewith and for protective maintenance thereof.

Conventional brooms and similar cleaning implements have bristles which can become deformed, ends split, bent, broken or otherwise damaged in storage. For example, these implements are often stored leaning in a comer with the bristles on the ground supporting the weight of the implement. Addition of features to the implements, for example, other tools fixed to the broom or storable thereon and the like, increase the weight, thereby further tending to damage bristles and cleaning/maintenance heads and surfaces during storage.

It would be a new and significant improvement in the art and technology to provide favorable cleaning implement storage and protection advantages and solutions. The present invention provides numerous advantages and improvements, including improvements and nuances in the foregoing respects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention is a system for use with an implement. The system includes at least three contacts and grips for retaining the at least three contacts attached to the implement. The system can stand on the at least three contacts.

Another embodiment of the invention is a dust pan. The dust pan includes a scoop having at least three planar contact points on which the scoop can stand.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is an implement. The implement includes a scoop, a grip connected to the scoop for retaining the implement with the scoop, and a surface of the scoop for supporting the implement.

Another embodiment of the invention is a shield for an implement. The implement has an operative head. The shield includes a surface of at least three planar points for accommodating the operative head, a retainer connected to the pan, for selectively connecting the implement to the pan, and a support surface formed by the at least three planar points of the surface can stand when the retainer is selectively connected to the implement.

Another embodiment of the invention is a self-supporting dustpan and broom combination. The dustpan includes an at least three sided edge. The combination includes a retainer connected to the dustpan for selectively gripping the broom at a handle of the broom. The at least three sided edge supports the dustpan.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a self-supporting stand and brush combination. The combination includes a surface of the stand for supporting the stand and the brush and a retainer connected to the surface for selectively connecting the brush with the surface. The stand stores the brush via support by the surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system, providing a combination dust pan and storage and guard stand for a broom, according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of the system of FIG. 1, in an upright position (such as during storage), according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the system of FIGS. 1 and 2, being used with a broom to be wedged via its handle into the system, for example, for instances of storage of the system and broom together as a unitary assembly, with the system serving as a stand or support in upright position, according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the system of FIGS. 1-3, wherein the broom is retained in the system for storage of the system and broom assembly with the system standing in upright position (without any significant weight or force being borne by the broom bristles, and thus shielding or protecting the bristles), according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a system, providing a combination pan and/or storage and guard stand for a hand or whisk broom or a brush, according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates another perspective view of the system of FIG. 5, in an upright position (such as during storage), according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the system of FIGS. 5 and 6, being used with a brush to be wedged via its handle/head into the system, for example, for instances of storage of the system and brush together as a unitary assembly, with the system serving as a stand or support in upright position, according to certain embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the system of FIGS. 5-7, wherein the brush is retained in the system for storage of the system and brush assembly with the system standing in upright position (without any significant weight or force being borne by the brush bristles, and thus shielding or protecting the bristles), according to certain embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a system 100 includes a scoop 102 connected to a handle 104. The scoop 102 has generally planar, generally wedge-shaped underside 106 connected at its periphery to a ridge 110 along all but a generally straight bottom edge 111. The ridge 110 has dual edges 110 a,b that form angled corners A at the extents of the bottom edge 111. The bottom edge 111 and dual edges 110 a,b planarly support the system 100 in an upright position on a generally flat surface, such as a floor. Moreover, as hereafter further described, the underside 106 is slightly larger than, but generally conforms to a shape of a broom head and bristles for use with the system 100 and the angled corners via the bottom edge 111 and dual edges 110 a,b support the system 100 in such upright position, as mentioned, together with a broom having the head and bristles retained by the system 100.

The ridge 110 and underside 106 are connected at the underside 106 periphery, for example, via a joint 108 that can be angled, square, curved or otherwise with respect to the edge 110 and the underside 106. The ridge 110 is connected to the handle 104. The handle 104 includes an extension 114 and sides 116. The extension 114 and sides 116 are formed to accommodate a handle of a broom. The sides 116 are formed with or connected to tabs 118. These tabs 118 are ridges or crimps that extend within the handle 104 between the sides 116 sufficient to grasp a broom handle lodged in the extension 114 between the sides 116.

The system 100 can include other features, such as a retention ridge 112 formed with or connected to the underside 106 and running generally parallel to the edge 111 but a distance therefrom on the underside 106. The retention ridge 112 can serve, for example, to aid in retaining dirt, dust or the like in the underside 106 when swept by a broom thereinto and over the retaining ridge 112. Other system 100 features can include, for example, serrations 122 or the like along the ridge 110 for aiding removal of dust and dirt from broom bristles when the bristles are passed along the ridge 110. The extension 114 is further formed with an opening 120 for hanging the system 100 on a hook or other use.

Referring to FIG. 2, the system 100 of FIG. 1 is positioned upright, as when the system 100 rests on a floor or similar surface via the edge 111 and dual edges 110 a,b. This upright position of the system 100 is favorable, for example, when storing the system 100. Furthermore, this upright position of the system 100 is capable of supporting a broom retained in the system 100 for such storage, as herein later described.

For use of the system 100 in upright position for storage of the system 100 and/or for storage of the system 100 and a retained broom (or the like), several parameters for design can be important. These parameters include that the system 100 should have at least three points of contact with an underlying surface, when the system 100 is standing upright. In the system 100, for example, these three points of contact are the edge 111 and each of the dual edges 100 a,b.

Additionally, dimensions of the three points of contact with respect to a retained broom or other implement can be important. For example, the dimensions can include certain of: the length of the edge 111, the respective lengths of the dual edges 110 a,b, the angle A formed between the ridge 110 and the underside 106 and the angle B formed between the underside 106 and the dual edges 110 a,b. Further, the materials, sizes and other aspects of the system 100 and also any broom to be retained in the system 100, must be suitably sized and constructed and of materials and properties suitable in order to function to provide both upright positioning (i.e., of the system 100 and the system 100 while retaining a broom) and dustpan functional usage.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate and know that a wide variety of these parameters, dimensions, three or more contact points, and other aspects is possible in keeping with the concepts herein, and in this regard, all such variations are included herein for purposes of this description.

Referring to FIG. 3, in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2, an operation 300 of the system 100 for retaining a broom 302 is illustrated. In operation 300, the broom 302, having a handle and head with bristles, is retained with the system 100. The head and bristles of the broom 302 are placed within the system 100, such that the head and bristles are contained within the confines of the ridges 100 against the underside 106 and the handle of the broom 302 is fitted between the sides 116 and rests against the extension 114 such that the tabs 118 crimp, grip, or otherwise attach to the handle of the broom 302 to retain the broom with the system 100.

Referring to FIG. 4, in conjunction with FIG. 3, an upright storage operation 400 of the system 100 retaining the broom 302 is illustrated. The bristles and head of the broom 302 are maintained within the system 100. The system 100 acts as a stand, for upright positioning of the system 100 and broom 302 assembly. In the upright storage operation 400 of the system 100, the bristles of the broom 302 either do not touch or only with limited force touch the surface on which the system 100 sits. In this manner, the system 100 protects and helps prevent damage to the broom 302. Moreover, the upright storage operation 400 provides ease of location of the assembly during storage and also aids in maintaining the system 100 with the broom 302 in order to prevent misplacement.

Referring to FIG. 5, a system 500 is similar to the system 100 (of FIGS. 1-4) but is for use with a whisk broom, paint brush or similar bristle or brush device with a foreshortened handle. The system 500 includes a pan 502 connected to a grip extension 504. The pan 502 can accommodate a head and bristles of a hand or whisk broom, a paint brush, or similar unit, and the grip extension 504 can accommodate a handle or grip of such unit. The pan 502 includes side walls 510 connected to a bottom 506. The side walls and bottom 506 are connected to the grip extension 504. The grip extension 504 includes raised edges 516 connected to a back 514. The back 514 connects to the bottom 506 of the pan 502, and the raised edges 516 connect to the side walls 510 of the pan 510. The grip extension 504 includes grippers, such as ridges 518 formed in or connected to the raised edges 516 within the grip extension 504. The grippers of the grip extension 504 wedge a handle or grip of a brush or broom when retained in the system 500.

Referring to FIG. 6, the system 500 also provides aspects suitable for upright positioning of the system 500, including either by itself or with a brush or broom unit retained therewith. As with the system 100, lengths, materials, thicknesses, weights, angles and the like of both the system 100 and any broom or brush unit for use therewith, can be varied as those skilled in the art will know and appreciate; however, these aspects of the system 100 suitably provide for upright storage and positioning of the system 100, including when a broom or brush is placed and retained therein.

Referring to FIG. 7, in conjunction with FIG. 5-6, the system 500 is combined with a brush 702 for upright storage operation 700. The brush 702 is placed with the bristles contained within the pan 502, between the side walls 510 and against the back 506, and with the head/handle of the brush 702 extending into the grip extension 504. The head/handle of the brush 702 is lodged within the grip extension 504, for example, by wedged gripping of the ridges 518 against the head/handle (such as via an extension thereof or otherwise).

Referring to FIG. 8, in conjunction with FIG. 7, an upright storage operation 800 of the system 500 stores the system 500 and brush 702 assembly such that the bristles of the brush 702 do not contact an underlying surface and/or do not bear any significant weight if any contact. As previously discussed, this operation 800 helps prevent damage or disfigurement to the brush bristles and also retains the system 500 with the brush 702 to keep them together during storage. The bristles and head/handle of the brush 702 are maintained within the system 500. The system 500 acts as a stand or support, for upright positioning of the system 500 and brush 702 assembly. In the upright storage operation 800 of the system 500, the bristles of the brush 702 either do not touch or only with limited force touch the surface on which the system 500 sits upright. If the brush 702 is a hand or whisk broom, then the system 500 serves as a dustpan, as well as a storage and stand device. If the brush 702 is a paint brush or similar implement, the system 500 serves as a storage and stand device, as well as a guard to the brush. It is notable that the upright storage operation 800 of the system 500 can be employed with a wet brush of any sort or the like, and will permit ready draining of moisture in the upright position.

The dust pan stand systems can be manufactured of a wide variety of materials, including, for example, ABS, plastics, metal, low friction materials and others. Additionally, the configuration of the systems can accommodate virtually any broom, brush, or other headed implement, where the implement has bristles or other functional aspects or working surfaces that can be damaged or can be protected during storage, either in upright manner as described or otherwise merely shielded or covered. For example, rather than broom bristles, the implement can have a mop, rake, tooth, tine, duster, brush, or any other type of cleaning, maintenance, repair or working head and purpose. In all such instances, storage and protection of the working head and surfaces are advantaged through apparatus like that, or similar to that, disclosed, referenced and otherwise generally understood or conveyed by the descriptions herein. Further, the systems are configurable as desired to retain the implement or multiple implements, including brooms, brushes, other implements, and the like, for storage together and to avoid loss or misplacement. Generally, although not necessary, the implement and system will have some cooperative use and will be together required; thus, the systems provide for stand, shield, and retention aspects and operations for a variety of implements and units.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises, “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. 

1. A system for use with an implement, for supporting the implement on an underlying surface, comprising: at least three contacts formed of angled edges; and grips for selectively retaining the at least three contacts attached to the implement; wherein the system can stand directly on the underlying surface on the at least three contacts with the at least three contacts each touching the underlying surface to support the system and implement.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system can support the implement, via the at least three contacts touching the underlying surface, on the at least three contacts such that the implement does not touch the underlying surface.
 3. A dust pan, for upright storage of a broom removably attached to the dust pan via a handle of the broom, comprising: a scoop having at least three planar contact points of the scoop on which the scoop can stand to support the broom upright attached to the scoop; wherein the scoop has a generally planar, wedge-shaped bottom portion, the bottom portion has a substantially straight edge and opposing side ridges extending peripherally from edges of the bottom portion not forming the straight edge, the ridges forming angled comers at extents of opposing ends of the straight edge; wherein the straight edge of the bottom portion is one of the at least three contact points and the ridges at the extents of opposing ends of the straight edge at angled comers are two others of the at least three contact points.
 4. The dust pan of claim 3, further comprising a retainer of the scoop suitable to grip the broom handle, the retainer being disposed generally at a comer of the bottom portion between the opposing side ridges.
 5. The dust pan of claim 4, wherein the dust pan is suitable to support the broom via grip of the broom handle by the retainer, in upright position via the at least three contact points of the scoop.
 6. A stand for supporting an implement suspended upright above an underlying surface, comprising: a scoop; a grip connected to the scoop for retaining the implement with the scoop; and an edge surface of the scoop for supporting the implement substantially without contact of the implement with the underlying surface; wherein the edge surface comprises at least three points of contact of the scoop with the underlying surface, and wherein the scoop is a dust pan.
 7. (canceled)
 8. A shield stand for an implement, the implement having an operative head, comprising: a surface of at least three points for accommodating the operative head, the at least three points being formed of straight edges joined by angled comers; a retainer connected to the operative head, for selectively connecting the implement to the surface; a support surface on which the at least three points of the surface can stand when the retainer is selectively connected to the implement.
 9. The shield of claim 8, wherein the at least three points of the surface comprise at least three planar panels, the planar panels joined forming angled comers and edges of each of the panels extending from the angled comers, the panels as joined together being generally of a shape of and larger than the operative head to contain the operative head, at least in part, between the panels, when the retainer is selectively connected to the implement.
 10. A self-supporting dustpan and broom combination, wherein the dustpan includes at least three edges, comprising: a retainer connected to the dustpan for selectively gripping the broom at a handle of the broom; and wherein the at least three edges are capable of supporting the dustpan, together with the broom so gripped by the retainer, on an underlying surface; wherein the at least three edges directly contact the underlying surface in self-supporting the combination.
 11. The combination of claim 10, wherein the dustpan supports the broom raised and positioned substantially upright above the underlying surface.
 12. A self-supporting stand and brush combination, the stand capable of storing the brush suspended above a storage surface, comprising: a three edged surface of the stand for directly contacting the storage surface and supporting the stand and the brush; a retainer connected to the three edged surface for selectively connecting the brush with the stand; wherein the three edged surface of the stand supports the brush above the storage surface via the retainer and the three edged surface, but not the brush, directly contacts the storage surface.
 13. The combination of claim 12, further comprising: a scoop formed of the three edged surface of the stand, for serving to collect dust swept by the brush when the brush is not connected to the retainer.
 14. The combination of claim 12, further comprising: bristles of the brush; and a panel of the stand, for shielding the bristles when the brush is connected to the retainer, the panel providing one edge surface of the three edged surface. 15-16. (canceled)
 17. A method of manufacture of a broom and stand combination, comprising the steps of: forming a stand with at least three planar edges and a grip; forming a broom with a handle for selectively connecting to the grip of the stand; wherein the at least three planar edges of the pan stand are capable of supporting the stand and the broom in upright position by connecting the handle of the broom to the grip and disposing the stand on an underlying surface via the at least three planar edges, with the broom extending vertically and without substantial contact to the broom other than via the grip of the stand. 